Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the sharper Malaysian showroom argument: RM329,888 versus RM395,888 for the Lexus NX, yet it gets more power at 201 hp against 184 hp, far more torque at 320 Nm against 221 Nm, a bigger 620-litre boot and a much longer 2,888 mm wheelbase. The Lexus fights back with a marginally quicker 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time, a taller body and a five-year warranty. But the RM66,000 gap is hard to ignore when both are all-wheel-drive compact executive SUVs with seven airbags and AEB.
Pick the Lexus NX if you want the longer five-year warranty, slightly quicker 0-100 km/h time and do not mind paying more for the Lexus badge and CBU status.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want more torque, more boot space, a longer wheelbase and the lower RM329,888 entry price.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888
- Power and torque: Lexus NX 184 hp/221 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp/320 Nm
- Performance: Lexus NX 0-100 km/h in 7.7 s and 200 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 s and 221 km/h
- Size: Lexus NX 4,660 mm long with 2,690 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4,716 mm long with 2,888 mm wheelbase
- Boot and tank: Lexus NX 520 L boot/55 L tank; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 L boot/62 L tank
- Warranty and road tax: Lexus NX 5 years/RM830; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4 years/RM440
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 395,888 | RM 329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 2,487 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Power | 184 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.7 s✓ | 7.8 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 1.0 kWh |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Boot space | 520 L | 620 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 62 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5✓ | 4 |
| Road tax / year | RM 830 | RM 440✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
NX
- Slightly quicker 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer five-year warranty
- Taller 1,670 mm body
- RM66,000 more expensive
- Lower outputs at 184 hp and 221 Nm
- Smaller 520-litre boot
GLC
- Cheaper by RM66,000
- Stronger 201 hp and 320 Nm outputs
- Bigger 620-litre boot and 2,888 mm wheelbase
- Shorter four-year warranty
- Fractionally slower 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 1,640 mm height
NX vs GLC FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the stronger buy on paper: it is cheaper, more powerful, torquier, roomier by boot volume and has a longer wheelbase. The Lexus NX mainly counters with a longer warranty and a barely quicker 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM66,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That gap does not buy more power, torque, boot space or wheelbase, but the Lexus does get a five-year warranty against the Mercedes-Benz’s four years.
Which one is more practical for family use?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC looks more practical on paper, with 620 litres of boot space versus 520 litres in the Lexus NX, plus a much longer 2,888 mm wheelbase against 2,690 mm.